Tributes flow for `an everyman'

Ford draws bipartisan praise for post-Watergate legacy

DC rites to begin Saturday

"Gerald Ford brought Americans together during a difficult chapter in our history with strength, integrity and humility," the Clintons said.

Words of praise for Ford's leadership came from all corners, including world leaders.

German President Horst Koehler offered his "deeply felt condolences" and described Ford as "a great American." Czech President Vaclav Klaus called Ford "an outstanding politician" whose work "was instrumental for freedom in my country and for the fall of the Iron Curtain in Europe."

On Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange observed two minutes of silence before trading began Wednesday morning.

And in Illinois, political leaders said they joined all Americans in mourning the 38th president.

"He was a man of great integrity and decency, and he deserves our gratitude for guiding the nation through a very difficult period and restoring trust in the presidency," said Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) called Ford "a man of principle, integrity, and honesty who helped heal the nation during some of our darkest times."

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jzuckman@tribune.com

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Observances for late president

All times CST

FRIDAY

2:20 p.m.: Gerald Ford's casket arrives at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, Calif. The Ford family will have a private prayer service.

3:15 p.m.: Close friends and guests will arrive at St. Margaret's for private visitation.

6:20 p.m.: Public repose begins at St. Margaret's. The church will remain open until 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. Saturday.

SATURDAY

11 a.m.: Departure ceremony at St. Margaret's.

11:40 a.m.: Ford's body leaves for Washington.

4:20 p.m.: Body arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, traveling to the U.S. Capitol. The motorcade will pause at the World War II Memorial.

5:20 p.m.: Casket will be carried up the east steps of the Capitol to the door of the House of Representatives.

6 p.m.: State funeral begins in the Capitol Rotunda.

7:20 p.m.: Body lies in state.

SUNDAY AND MONDAY

Ford's body continues lying in state.

TUESDAY

7:30 a.m.: Casket is moved from the Rotunda to the Senate door for a period of repose.

8:15 a.m.: Departure ceremony on the east steps of the Senate.

9 a.m.: Casket arrives at Washington National Cathedral.

9:30 a.m.: Funeral begins.

11:15 a.m.: Casket will leave the cathedral for trip to Grand Rapids, Mich.

1:15 p.m.: Body will arrive in Michigan.

2:30 p.m.: Casket will arrive at the presidential museum in Grand Rapids. The body will lie in public repose through the night.

WEDNESDAY

1 p.m.: Funeral at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids. The president will be interred at a hillside site north of the museum.